The Watertown Unified School District is facing an operational budget deficit. This means the amount of money coming into the school district from state aid and property taxes is not enough to fund daily operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, transportation, and building maintenance.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
The WUSD has already cut more than $1.2 million from its operating budget coming into this school year, but a growing annual budget gap of more than $4.5 million remains due to the expiration of the last operating referendum (2018-2023), rising costs due to inflation, inadequate state and federal funding, and more.
On Tuesday, April 7, the community will vote on an referendum question for the WUSD that would provide $4.5 million per year for five years to support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses. If approved, the school tax impact on a home valued at $200,000 would be roughly $192 per year.
We invite the community to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum by attending an upcoming referendum presentation or community engagement session. More information can also be found on our website at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
💡 Got a Student with Big Ideas? Let’s Get Them Funded!
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
Parents, is your child a natural leader, a creative problem-solver, or someone who just loves to help? The Watertown Unified School District’s Advanced Learning Department is looking for student changemakers in grades K–12 to take the lead!
The Student Mini Grant Program gives students the chance to act as project managers for their own ideas. Through the generous support of our local business community, seed money is available to help our students turn their ideas into action.
The Details:
💰 Classroom Projects: Teachers can lead their entire class in a project with a grant of up to $100.
💰 Student Projects: Individual students or small groups can apply for up to $50.
🤝 The Support: Students choose their own Mentor (a parent, teacher, or older student) to act as a consultant and guide.
🚀 Real-World Skills: From budgeting to project management, students learn what it takes to be a visionary leader.
Important Note: Because we want to ensure every project is set up for success, our team will review all proposals based on originality and community impact. While we wish we could fund every idea, grants will be awarded to the most prepared and impactful proposals.
How to Apply: Students can pick up an application in their school’s Main Office. Proposals are due by February 27.
Let’s empower our students to stop waiting for change and start leading it! 🎓
🗳 Community to Vote on WUSD Operational Referendum
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
On Dec. 15, 2025, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved placing a $4.5 million Operational Referendum question on the April 7, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would support operational, instructional, and maintenance expenses for the district. The referendum would last for a duration of five years. Funding would be for operations only - not for new buildings or major building projects.
Funding from the last operational referendum expired in 2023. Despite careful planning and cutting more than $1.2 million from the 2025-26 budget, the WUSD is experiencing a budget shortfall that is not sustainable long term. We invite the community to learn more about why the referendum is needed. Please send any questions you may have to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Congratulations to the following students in grades 3-8 whose artwork or writing was selected out of almost 1,000 pieces from southeast Wisconsin to be published in the regional Southern Lakes Anthology:
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Riverside Middle School: DeMarcus Smith, Josey Weber, Evelyn Winkelman, Ivy Muza
Douglas Elementary School: Kristine Sharlow
Lincoln STEM Elementary School: Isabell Lin, Benjamin Jobgen, Abram Deaton
Webster Elementary School: Marley Weber, Rawson Schweickhardt, Levon Cantrall, Wade Heller, Betsy Keepman, Evelina Grinwald, Braelyn Rein
A special congratulations to 4th grader Rawson Schweickhardt, whose artwork Star Cruiser was considered for cover art (but was ultimately not chosen.)
A special congratulations to 4th grader Marley Weber, whose poetry "Moments Before Gold" was chosen out of all 4th grade writing pieces to be the 4th grade "read-aloud" at the May Awards Celebration, where all of the published students will receive a copy of their book!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
🚌 Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week! 🌟
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
February 9-13, 2026 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Join us in recognizing our bus drivers for all they do to support our schools and for the care and safety they provide for our students. Thank you!
💙🏫 It's School Counselor Appreciation Week and we invite you to join us in thanking our very own caring and compassionate school counselors - Mindy Ganser, Bryce Steckbauer, Kelly Cunningham, Jesse Leonhardt, Lora Konz, Avery Harris, Erikka Olson, Matthew Dunn, and Amy True. The Watertown Unified School District is fortunate to have you, and we thank you for all you do for our students!
🖍 WUSD 4K & 5K registration opens today at 10 a.m.!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The Watertown 4 Kids (4K) program and the 5K program are open to children who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. To register, visit https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/enrollment-and-registration.
Watertown 4 Kids is a community-based and school-based tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten offered at six WUSD and affiliated locations. Full day 4K and full day 4K bilingual options are available. If you are interested in full day 4K, please register ASAP.
If online access is needed to register a child, parents/guardians may register in person at the Educational Service Center, 111 Dodge St., from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3217 to schedule.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Douglas Elementary School students had SNOW much fun last week during recess. ❄⛄
Watertown Unified School District 4K registration opens on Monday, Feb. 2. Several 4K Open Houses have been scheduled, and are listed in the flyer below.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
To register for the Fall 4K program, children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. To register for the Fall 5K program, children must be five-years-old by Sept. 1, 2026. Half-day and full-day options are available for 4K. The 5K program is full day. Watertown 4-Kids learning programs include STEM, Environmental & Agricultural, eCampus, Traditional, Multi-Age, Dual Language & more!
For more information, email Cheryl at hollatzc@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460.
The Watertown Unified School District invites members of the community to help share information regarding the upcoming April 7, 2026 Operational Referendum. To join in this effort, please take a moment to view and fill out this form by Jan. 8: https://bit.ly/44AhWbO.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Please send any questions to referendum2026@mywusd.org.
Don't forget, tomorrow (Tues. Dec. 23) is an early release day for the Watertown Unified School District. Schools will dismiss tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Happy Holidays! 🎄
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Join us tonight for Briefings with Supt. Dr. Jarred Burke from 6-7 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming operational referendum and to discuss issues relevant to the Watertown Unified School District.
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
Please come with questions - we look forward to seeing you there!
We're proud to be Goslings everyday. 🌟
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
We have so much to celebrate everyday at the Watertown Unified School District. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for supporting our schools. 💙
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
WUSD School Counselors Kelly Cunningham and Mindy Ganser recently presented at their state conference. They emphasized the importance of attendance and what WUSD is doing at the elementary level to promote strong attendance every day. 🏫
🎄 Join us for Carols & Bells - the annual Watertown High School Music Department holiday concert. 🎶
Performances are set for this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. We have an outstanding music program and we hope to see our auditorium filled for both performances!
This special event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at goslingmusic.org, or in person at the WHS front office between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F.
This magical concert features non-stop music on a grand stage from five ensembles, and an opportunity for attendees to participate in sing-a-long carols. This will be an event you won't want to miss!
Performances are set for this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. We have an outstanding music program and we hope to see our auditorium filled for both performances!
This special event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at goslingmusic.org, or in person at the WHS front office between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F.
This magical concert features non-stop music on a grand stage from five ensembles, and an opportunity for attendees to participate in sing-a-long carols. This will be an event you won't want to miss!
Stuff the Bus this past Saturday was a success! 🎄🚒
Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to benefit WUSD students in need. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers and the Watertown Park and Rec Dept. for partnering with us for this event. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to DH Enterprises for use of the school bus, the Watertown Lions Club for their $700 donation, and to EZ-Promotion & Apparel for their donation of multiple boxes of new pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
It was a great day to be a Gosling!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to benefit WUSD students in need. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers and the Watertown Park and Rec Dept. for partnering with us for this event. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to DH Enterprises for use of the school bus, the Watertown Lions Club for their $700 donation, and to EZ-Promotion & Apparel for their donation of multiple boxes of new pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
It was a great day to be a Gosling!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
The WUSD K-12 Student Art Showcase was held Wednesday evening at Watertown High School. During the free event, attendees viewed artwork from all grade levels across the district, enjoyed refreshments, and participated in art and craft activities. Thank you to the WUSD Art Department for organizing the event, and for doing such a great job fostering student talent and creativity. 🎨🖌
Today is National Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day. THANK YOU to our more than 150 active substitute teachers and substitute support staff working within the Watertown Unified School District! If you are interested in joining the WUSD as a substitute teacher, please contact Director of Human Resources Margaret Brady at bradym@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460 ext. 3245.
Come celebrate student art across all grade levels this Wednesday, Nov. 19, during the WUSD Student Art Showcase at Watertown High School from 5-7 p.m. This free event is open to all - come view incredible art created by the youth in our community. In addition to the free art activities, there will also be a short meeting at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. for parents and guardians to learn more about fostering creativity through art or advanced learning.
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
Tradition. Innovation. Transformation.
#WatertownWay!
